Pow Wow Highway
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Movie Reviews of Pow Wow Highway
Movie Review: Cult Classic that's among the best American Indian films
Summary: 5 Stars
I saw this film when it first came out in the late 1980s and again, yesterday, at a special screening held in honor of actor Gary Farmer at the American Museum of Natural History. Farmer's breakout role as Philbert Bono, the Cheyenne "warrior" who goes on a spirit quest, accompanying his friend, an American Indian Movement (AIM) activist (A Martinez), on a cross-country trek to Santa Fe, New Mexico, is surely the heart of this splendid little film; perhaps the first to portray realistically the lives of contemporary American Indians (As I have often pointed out to friends and acquaintances, most American Indians barely survive above the poverty line, and those that are marginally successful, such as most on the Navajo reservation, tend to be cowboys and ranchers, not casino owners and employees.).
Without "Powwow Highway" there would have been no "Dances with Wolves" or "Smoke Signals"; American films replete with sympathetic portrayals of American Indians featuring prominent American Indian actors (two of whom, Graham Greene and Wes Studi, part of the predominantly American Indian cast of "Powwow Highway", have since made important careers in Hollywood.). The film also features excellent music composed by Robbie Robertson (formerly of "The Band", but also, a prominent rock and roll musician of American Indian heritage) and U2. Although "Powwow Highway" does not dwell on the dismal lifestyles of reservation American Indians, it does a fine job offering realistic, bittersweet vignettes. For this reason, and especially, Gary Farmer's exuberant performance, it deserves to be seen by as large an audience as possible now via DVD.
Movie Review: An engaging and deceptively simple film
Summary: 5 Stars
If you like independent or foreign films in general, or if you are interested in a non-Hollywood film about American Indians (or Native Americans, if you prefer), I think you'll like this film. It's one of those non-Hollywood films where the story is more about characters than it is about plot. The plot is fairly simple -- two Cheyenne men -- best friends -- drive a broken down old car from the northern Wyoming reservation to New Mexico, because one man's sister calls him to tell him she's been arrested on a trumped up charge and is in jail. He hasn't seen or heard from her in years, but her two children to consider, and she is his sister, so he has to get to Santa Fe to help her. This is coming at a bad time because a mining company is trying to get tribe approval on a contract that this man is opposing.
As noted, the real plot involves relationships, both between characters and between Native Americans vs. the dominant culture. Although both friends have a strong sense of their culture and people, one of the two friends is an easy going man who aspires to be a shaman and the other is an intense activist. It's kind of the Odd Couple contrast, but much more sophisticated than that -- it's about how to be Native American in today's world.
The acting was very good and as other reviewers have commented, the sound track (U2 music) was perfect and enhanced the film. If your idea of a great movie is one starring Sylvester Stallone or Tom Cruise, this may not be the film for you, but if you appreciate slower, simpler, thoughtful films, I recommend this.
Movie Review: Contemporary Native American Road Movie
Summary: 5 Stars
A road movie about two contemporary Cheyenne traveling down to New Mexico to spring a relative from prison. Buddy Red Bow (A. Martinez) is a young militant activist with a quick, angry temper. His gargantuan friend, Philbert (Gary Farmer), is a portrait of inner peace with an unlimited appetite to match. Together they mirror the political and spiritual aspects of modern Indian life. Buddy wants to protect his people from the forces of greed surrounding them (his sister is framed on a phony drug charge to lure him off the rez during a crucial tribal council vote). Philbert wants to find his soul-power as a Cheyenne warrior would have done in the old days (his battered auto is christened "Protector"). The pragmatism of the former and the dreaminess of the other first clash but eventually compliment. The foundation of this story is as much about their past and present relationship as the adventure of getting to their destination and home again in one piece. This is the first mainstream movie that deals intelligently with current issues facing native peoples, "Powwow" got over-shadowed by the "Dances With Wolves" hoopla that followed on the heels of its release. A pity, too, because this is a far superior movie that achieved cult status for a time. Both leads portray three-dimensional characters that play off each other with humor and irony, never dissolving into caricature. Includes an effective soundtrack by Robbie Robertson which set him on his current path of working with contemporary native musicians.Movie Review: Lost treasure
Summary: 5 Stars
I had looked for a VHS or DVD copy of the Movie version of this book not realizing that it was created from a brilliantly written book. I stumbled across the book and the same time I found the DVD. The presented a very real and very spiritual view of life on a Lakota Rez. The problems are all too real, but so to is the humour. The need to reach out for the real story of the modern Lakota and their battle for survival to be heard is just as important today as it was a generation ago. It is a glorious battle but it is not all beads and feathers. The DVD does leave out some of the painful reality, but is more limited in order to reach a larger audience. The acting was a little spotty, but considering the fact that many were budding actors, it is understandable. However, Gary Farmer was gripping and he carried any shortcomings. Family members of mine also appreciated the story and Gary's presentation. Loved it. Richard Wisecarver, Wasilla, AlaskaMovie Review: Awesome; Glad I took the chance.
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought "Pow Wow Highway" because it was recommended as something I would like because I had purchased "smoke signals". Normally, I don't bother with these recommendations from Amazon, but this time (on a whim) I bought "Pow Wow Highway" and I am so glad I did!
Being part Cherokee, it's hard to describe the mix of feelings this film brought out in me. This feeling was only enhanced by the powerful use of Robbie Robertson's "fallen angel" in the scenes with Filbert. Knowing the song very well, and knowing how it was used in the film, it brought tears to my eyes. It made both the movie and the song that much more powerful.
I won't repeat what others here have done by outlining the plot, but I will say I agree with one reviewer: this film is a study in two ways of approaching being a warrior. It's two warriors fighting the same fight in two different ways. A totally incredible, breathtaking film.